Classroom

The Montessori Classroom is especially designed for the growing mind of a child. With freedom, the child chooses activities and develops self-confidence, discipline and mastery while learning.Children successfully work, form respect for one another and come to appreciate a calm atmosphere. The children work together in harmony or independently with manipulative and sensorial materials. When finished, the child is responsible for returning the materials from where they came.

Program Highlights

The Montessori teaching method allows children to work independently and at their own pace. The teacher guides the child through the learning process and presents new material as each area is mastered. The Montessori method encourages mastery of self-discipline, confidence and social competence within a safe setting.

The Major Areas in our Preschool & Kindergarten Program

Practical LifeThe practical life area provides a link between the activities performed around the house and school. The classroom is equipped with child size materials such as brooms, cloths and gardening tools which are fun to use but also teach the children how to care for the environment around them.

The child learns norms of social relations, such as greeting, serving, accepting, apologizing, thanking, grace and courtesies.

The child learns movement, such as balancing or walking in a straight line, and silence and listening games.

Although these skills may seem simple, it is very rewarding and meaningful for young children to master the practical skills they observe in adults. Children are able to see what they have accomplished which is rewarding.

The child will begin to verbalize at home and at school independent words, which the Montessori method encourages and fosters such as, "I can do it myself."

Sensorial MaterialsThe world is filled with senses; color, size, dimensions, shape, form, sound, touch, taste and smell. The Montessori materials enable a child to clarify, classify and comprehend their world. Concepts such as tall, short, rough, smooth, water, land etc. are taught. Children learn to explore their senses of the world around them using special materials.

MathematicsChildren have the ability to reason, calculate and estimate. The specialized materials we provide allow for mathematics to be demonstrated in a variety of forms such as abstract, manipulative, experimental and creative.Rods, spindles, beads, cards, cubes, are just some of the tools used in a Montessori classroom. A child not only learns to count but can visually see these quantities.The math materials build upon one another increasing in complexity as the child progresses from one material to the next leading them from an abstract to concrete conceptual learning experience.

LanguageOur language program focuses on both spoken and written language. The child hears and then learns to use precise vocabulary during activities. The written language uses the alphabet, letter sounds (phonics), word composition, and storytelling. Soon, with work, the child will begin to say with enthusiasm that they can read and write.

Art and MusicArt and music are viewed as a form of self-expression in the Montessori classroom. Singing, dancing, humming, or playing an instrument are activities encouraged throughout the classroom.

Natural Science and the OutdoorsChildren explore the outdoors and nature as part of their Montessori education. Children learn about and explore leaves, rocks, flowers, plants, and animals. They study cloud formations, build gardens, and learn to take care of the environment.

AdditionalIn addition to our planned units, we utilize the knowledge of our community in our program. Family members often volunteer their time to conduct workshops and special lessons on a variety of subjects. In the past we have seen lessons on holidays, fire & child safety, technology, yoga, the ethnic and cultural heritage of many nations, live chicks which were hatched in our classroom, world languages, etiquette and music. Other family members assist with field trips, holiday programs, picnics & receptions and of course our end of year graduation celebration and annual school picnic.